Google News
Novak Djokovic made a perfect start in New York, seeking his fourth US Open crown and the 24th Major. Novak ousted Alexandre Muller 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 in an hour and 35 minutes, sailing over the top and collecting another notable achievement.
Djokovic secured his 46th bagel at Majors, matching Roger Federer and standing four behind the leader Andre Agassi. Novak kicked off his Roland Garros journey with a double bagel against Robby Ginepri in 2005, adding more by 2008 and taking a break until 2011.
The Serb produced 24 bagels at Majors between 2011 and 2015, dominating the most notable scene and reducing the gap to Federer and Nadal. Novak has pushed strong again since 2019, climbing to 46 and setting his eyes on Agassi's record.
Djokovic missed last year's US Open, eager to make a fresh start last week. He served at 53% against Muller, facing only one break point and keeping the pressure on the other side. Djokovic took over half of the return points, turning them into eight breaks from 13 opportunities.
Novak played aggressive tennis, delivering 32 winners and 23 unforced errors and overpowering the lower-ranked opponent. Muller denied a break point in the encounter's opening game before Djokovic seized the second after the rival's backhand mistake for an early advantage.
Novak Djokovic delivered his 46th bagel in the US Open first round.
Novak grabbed the second game at love with a forehand crosscourt winner and stole the rival's serve for the second time in game three with a volley winner at the net.
The Serb clinched the fourth game with a volley winner at the net and delivered another break a few minutes later for 5-0, moving closer to a bagel. Djokovic served for the opener in game six and landed an ace down the T line, producing a perfect set in 23 minutes and matching Roger Gederer.
Novak cracked a backhand down the line winner at the beginning of the second set and grabbed his fourth consecutive break of serve. The Serb rattled off eight games before the Frenchman finally held at 0-2 to get his name on the scoreboard.
Djokovic lost serve for the first and only time in the sixth game before clinching another break for a 5-2 lead after the rival's loose backhand. Novak served for the set in game eight and held at 30 to forge a 6-0, 6-2 advantage in an hour, sailing toward the top.
Muller found the rhythm behind the initial shot in the third set, producing three holds at love and following Djokovic's pace. Novak stayed calm and earned a break at 3-3 after Alexandre's forehand error. The Frenchman served to stay in the match at 3-5, hitting a double fault to experience another break and push the Serb over the top. 